The opposition party officials have no dilemma that they too should help overcome the crisis due to the corona pandemic, and some of them see the executive power as an address for gathering in a single front, while others refer to the politically powerful president of the country.
DF MP Branko Radulović invited Milo Đukanović two days ago to gather all the opposition leaders for an agreement. It is the leader of the DPS and the President of Montenegro who the DF criticizes the most. Radulović explains to "Vijesti" that the initiative lies with Đukanović, who brought Montenegro to this position, because he still has indisputable political and institutional power.
"He is the key to the imprisoned Montenegro. Duško Marković is only the first official of his policy", says the MP.
However, SDP president Draginja Vuksanović Stanković sent a letter to Prime Minister Duško Marković on Monday, asking for consultations between party representatives to be held as soon as possible to discuss socio-economic and political life in the new circumstances.
"We felt that we had to start consultations and hear everyone's opinions and suggestions through conversation. Following the events in other countries, this kind of behavior was the practice of serious and responsible companies. We have certain proposals and suggestions, but we do not think that it is an opportunity to compete with each other in public with solutions, but rather to present and jointly discuss everything that we think is appropriate. In the end, whatever measures are adopted, they will have a much greater effect if we stand behind them together and we all take responsibility," said Vuksanović Stanković to "Vijesta".
She believes that the situation requires operational responses from the executive power both in terms of health measures and citizens' safety and in a wide range of socio-economic problems.
"We have different life situations in which citizens find themselves, as a result of the epidemic and the measures that have been taken, and it is clear that citizens, without significant and organized help from the state, cannot cope with such circumstances on their own. Of course, the president of the country has his share of obligations that he would have to undertake and thereby send a message that he takes care of all citizens. I believe that all of us, even in these circumstances, must rise above the political differences that divide us," said the SDP leader. The Government did not respond to "Vijesti" questions regarding the SDP initiative.
On Wednesday, the day after DF's appeal, Đukanović said that political misunderstandings and divisions should be put aside and that we should "turn to each other, following the bright examples from our glorious history."
"Our ancestors, through self-sacrifice, harmony and togetherness, bravely and sensibly found the way to victory even in the most critical situations," said Đukanović.
Branko Radulović states that the Platform "To save Montenegro", which he has in mind, must contain measures to save the health of citizens, for the social and economic sustainability of citizens and the economy, a moratorium on divisions, repealing the Law on Freedom of Religion, stopping persecution political opponents, postponing elections for a period of one year after the end of this state of emergency. "And the formation of a technical government that will organize and conduct free elections in that period, make institutions independent and start true reforms and EU integration", said Radulović.
He also believes that auditing and responsibility for what has been done must be an integral part of the healing of Montenegro.
Democrats are not interested in talks with state officials: "Politicians should not hinder the process, but the profession should come first", they told "Vijesta" from Democratic Montenegro.
The SNP said that at this moment everyone must join forces in order to overcome the dangers as painlessly as possible, but that no one should abuse the situation, nor use it for daily political purposes.
"Since its inception, the SNP has advocated a broad consensus on all important issues for our society. So even at this moment, we must show solidarity towards the most vulnerable categories of the population and try to share the burden together. When the dangers brought by the pandemic have passed, the widest possible dialogue on all crucial issues must be started", SNP told Vijesti and appealed to citizens to comply with all measures prescribed by the competent health authorities.
Demos explained that they support the necessity of coordination and possible homogeneity of citizens and all social factors in the resulting very difficult and risky situation. "In order for the initiatives to be serious and publicly responsible, those, unfortunately possible, whose primary goal is individual and party self-promotion should be avoided. We believe that coordination with the prime minister, who at this moment has the greatest competence and responsibility in the country, is a public obligation of all", they told "Vijesti" from Demos.
LP and BS: Putting differences aside, the most important thing is to stop the virus
"Earlier we announced that the LP would also demand a series of measures and reliefs that the government would make available to citizens and the economy, many of which have already been implemented. It is clear that there is a desire for dialogue and that both the state and society have shown their willingness to work together to preserve the public interest, public health and the welfare of all people in Montenegro. Surely there is room for all parties," LP spokesman Ammar Borančić told "Vijesta".
The Bosniak Party also supports the talks: "We welcome the efforts made by the Government and the National Coordinating Body for Infectious Diseases, in order to protect the health of our citizens. I believe that all political parties should put aside party differences, because the most important thing for us at this moment is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," said BS spokesman Adel Omeragić.
Radulović: Montenegro was effectively left alone and devastated
Radulović states that he addressed the public on his own initiative, knowing the challenges ahead and the complexity of the situation in which Montenegro finds itself.
"Deeply aware of the thirty-year sinking of Montenegro, which will be accelerated by this pandemic, I tried to suggest how to trace a new path of building a democratic and sustainable Montenegro with the least scars. You need to look the truth in the eye. The corona virus pandemic will infect a large percentage of citizens. The Germans predict that 80% of their citizens will be infected. It takes time to discover a vaccine to stop the pandemic, as well as a drug to treat the infected. During this period, many will suffer, especially the most vulnerable. How can Montenegrin healthcare with its modest capacities respond to this, even though our healthcare workers are to be commended", stated Radulović.
He states that in the economic sphere, the pandemic will cause the biggest crisis since World War II, much bigger than the one in 2008. The reaction of the governments of the leading countries, financial institutions and unions about the aid and the expected consequences speaks volumes.
"Montenegro has effectively remained alone, devastated, limited, divided, stratified, poor.
The responsibility lies with the political elite, which must act on principle, solely in the interest of the survival of Montenegro. That is what the citizens of Montenegro expect," says Radulović.
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